Keeping up to date with baby’s first year of vaccines is one of the most important things you can do for your little one’s health—even if it’s difficult to watch them get a shot. Here’s why vaccines are so crucial, and what to expect from baby’s first year of inoculations against vaccine-preventable diseases.
Why Does My Baby Need Vaccines?
Plain and simple: childhood vaccinations prevent disease, and provide your baby with the immunity needed to keep them safe from potentially serious—and even life-threatening—diseases.
All of the recommended vaccines your baby receives are safe, fully tested and approved for use by the FDA. Vaccines contain a dead or weakened form of the virus or bacteria of concern, which helps baby’s body to make antibodies which will protect them from the disease if they are exposed to it.
What Vaccines Will My Baby Get?
The CDC recommends vaccination against the following viruses and bacteria for babies within their first year of life (some require additional booster doses later in childhood).
Hepatitis B (HepB)
Hepatitis B is a liver disease that can cause a mild sickness (lasting a few weeks), up to a serious lifelong illness. Acute, short-term hepatitis B infection can include fever, fatigue, vomiting, jaundice and pain. Chronic, long-term hepatitis B infection (when the virus remains in the body) can lead to serious liver damage.
Hepatitis B Vaccine Schedule:
This vaccine comes in a series of three different shots. Your baby will receive their first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of entering the world (and certainly before leaving the hospital). The second dose will be given between 1 to 2 months old, and the third between 18-24 weeks old.
If a baby’s birth parent is infected with the hepatitis B virus during delivery, their baby will also receive a hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) shot within 12 hours of birth, giving baby extra help in fighting the virus.
Rotavirus (RV)
Rotavirus is a virus that spreads easily among young children, and infection can lead to severe diarrhea, vomiting, fever and dehydration.
Rotavirus Vaccine Schedule:
The Rotavirus vaccine is given through 2 or 3 doses of oral drops (depending on the brand used) at 2, 4 and 6 months of age.
Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP)
The DTaP vaccine offers your little one protection against three different diseases:
Diphtheria is a serious infection spread by the transfer of bacteria person to person, and can cause difficulty breathing, swelling of the heart muscle, and paralysis.
Tetanus, sometimes called “lock jaw,” is an infection that enters the body through a cut or wound and can cause painful stiffening of muscles. Other health problems can ensue, such as having trouble opening the mouth, breathing or swallowing.
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a contagious respiratory disease can cause violent coughing (making it difficult to eat or drink), and can lead to other serious conditions such as pneumonia, convulsions, and brain damage.
DTaP Vaccine Schedule:
DTap vaccines are given via 5 doses, the first 3 during baby’s first year (2 months old, 4 months old, and 6 months old), and the final two booster shots between 15-18 months of age, and between 4-6 years of age.
Haemophilus Influenza Type B (Hib)
The presence of this bacteria in young children can lead to many kinds of infections, ranging from mild infections (such as ear infections or bronchitis), or severe such as blood infections. Prior to the availability of this immunization, Hib disease was the leading cause of bacterial meningitis among young children. Meningitis is an infection of the lining covering the brain and spinal cord, and requires hospital treatment.
Hib Vaccine Schedule:
Hib vaccines are given via 3 or 4 doses (depending on the brand of Hib vaccine used) at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months (for some brands), and 12-15 months of age.
Pneumococcal Disease (PCV13)
Pneumococcal disease refers to any illness caused by the bacteria pneumococcus, which can range from mild infections in the sinus and ears, to serious infections such as pneumonia, meningitis and even blood infections. Pneumococcal disease can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, even if there are no symptoms present.
PCV13 Vaccine Schedule:
Babies should receive 4 total doses of the PCV13 vaccine, one dose at each of the following ages: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and between 12-15 months.
Polio (IPV)
The poliovirus is very contagious, and is spread by droplets from a sneeze or cough, as well as the stool of an infected person. While many suffering from polio have mild flu-like symptoms, it can lead to lifelong weakness or paralysis if an infection of the spinal cord occurs.
Polio Vaccine Schedule:
Babies and children will receive a total of 4 doses of the polio vaccine, at 2 months, 4 months, between 6-18 months, and between 4-6 years of age.
What if My Baby Has a Reaction to a Vaccine?
Mild reactions can occur in babies and young children after receiving any vaccine, including discomfort, redness, warmth and swelling at the injection site. These are normal reactions, and will likely go away on their own.
Some vaccines may also cause an elevated fever, loss of appetite, fussiness or feeling tired. The best thing to do for your baby following a vaccine? Swaddle them, offer feedings more often, and keep a close eye on your baby. Of course, extra snuggles from their parents never hurts!
If you see any signs of an allergic reaction following a vaccine such as: hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness or weakness, call 911 or take baby to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Be sure to read the vaccine information provided by baby’s provider, and don’t hesitate to ask questions about your little one’s vaccine schedule. Baby’s provider will be able to address any concerns you may have, and assess any reasons to delay or modify their vaccine schedule based on your child’s health history.
Remember, mama—even though vaccines can be hard on both you and baby in the moment, they are some of the most important (and effective) medicines you can give your baby to keep them safe.